Photographic exhibition by Rodney Dekker
September 28-October 15, 69 Smith Street Gallery
Opens September 27, 6-8pm with live
Music by The Counterfeit Gypsies
<http://www.vicnet.net.au/~smith69>
REVIEW BY MARGARITA WINDISCH
Rodney Dekker, award-winning photographer, seasoned traveller and, most importantly, active protest and picket-line participant, is not your typical artist. He doesn't just produce artistic work for the sake of it, neither is he an individualist.
Dekker sees a very important correlation between art and politics, and told Green Left Weekly that "art should reflect something about where we live, it should seek to create change in the status quo and entice people to think. From this epistemological stance there must be a contribution of politics in art as it provides avenues of thought about our society and how we as individuals and collectives at any scale fit within that."
Presented in three gallery spaces, Dekker focuses his work on three themes — protest, environment and travel. His striking photographs are an exploration of political, social and natural environments that aim to inform, engage and inspire.
"The protest room is about freedom of speech", says Dekker. "I address issues such as industrial relations, anti-terrorism, genetic engineering, reconciliation, abortion, war, refugees and racism". Dekker is not afraid of controversy.
He is also an outspoken critic of the "anti-terror" laws and says; "I believe that the anti-terror legislation is disproportionate, as Spencer Zifcak said, 'These laws are a sledgehammer used to crack a nut.' Detention without charge or trial combined with sedition laws could provide a slippery slope towards state repression. It's ridiculous to think that if you criticise the British monarchy that you could be behind bars for seven years."
Dekker's "environment room" explores how people's lifestyle affects the natural environment and asks how we can take more responsibility to ensure heath for all. The photographs tell stories of waste, car-dependence, tree planting, energy, global warming and water.
The final room looks at "travel" and demonstrates how it can help people to gain a greater sense of self. In this room, Dekker powerfully uses drama and colour to capture people's cultures and natural environments.